I bought a new Knight KP1 for $200 a year ago....its not really a starter muzzeloader because its a very nice muzzleloader, worth probably at least $450-$500. I've been seeing those CVA Optima muzzleloaders on sale for about $200 lately and they would be a good choice...My friend has one and he likes it.

like WisnonsinDeer said, i would look at the CVA lineup, or traditions. they both have very very nice entry level muzzle loaders. CVA has the wolf, and now its even nicer than before due to the QRBP(Quick Release Breech Plug). reportedly you can remove the breech plug with no tools at all. they have a video of them shooting the muzzle loader about 25 times or so(cant remember exactly) without any cleaning and they pulled the plug by hand. and traditions has the buckstalker, which i am actually looking into buying when i have the money saved up(wife and two kids take priority over my hobbies). they can both be had for around $200. if youre like me, you will probabyl look at the bare model and buy your own scope, or go iron sights(i havent decided yet). or you can buy the pre set up kit and have the scope and sling with it. the most expensive bauckstalker i saw at cabelas was $369.00(the kit), the cheapest was $169.00(bare).

All depends on what you want to spend, how long you think you will own it and what quality you want to enjoy. If you are going to stay into ML hunting then i'd go a bit more in expense than the bottom models. You generally get what you pay for in firearms/scopes.

I started out with a Traditions Buckstalker .50 cal.. I only paid $150 for it new. I can shoot 1" groups at 100 yards with a no-name 3-9 scope. It's light, accurate, and simple to use and clean. Good luck!